The Escape Artist

Oh, how I dream of living the life of a “gypsy”. For those who may not understand the term, let me explain. The definition of a gypsy is a member of a traveling group, usually associated with telling fortunes. The definition I prefer and relate to is “a nomadic or free-spirited person” (Dictionary.com).More often than I’d like to admit, I feel like packing up a few belongings in one suitcase or backpack and leaving the corporate rat race, the mortgage, the kids and all responsibilities behind. Maybe travel and live out of a tiny airstream, tow-along camper. To ultimately live the gypsy life. I fondly remember in 6th grade dressing up as a gypsy for Halloween and it felt like me. I really thought it would be cool to have that life.The lifestyle of a gypsy is similar to the path and profession of a dancer I initially chose to pursue. Being a performer lends itself to roaming, moving from place to place on tour and essentially having no roots in any one place. This to me was the ultimate gypsy life-traveling and performing. What could be any better? What happened though?Well, I never completely fulfilled my dream of dancing with a touring company. First came the need to get a full-time steady job, I fell in love, settled down, had kids and mountains of responsibilities ensued. Stability was necessary for the family, for the kids and for obtaining “material things”. In my early years of trying to make it as a dancer, I didn’t need much. I had a rusty, old car with close to 200k miles on it, lived with my parents, didn’t party or spend excessively on things. Actually, any money I made during this time in my life went towards traveling adventures of my own. I miss those times, that freedom and excitement of exploring new places on a few dollars a day.The gypsy in me is still alive and never truly got to come out and play. I believe as responsibilities to my kids has decreased, I am becoming more in tune to the deep aches of my heart’s desires of who I am. In addition, the mounting stress and continued responsibilities to maintain a status-quo (keep up with the Jones) is wearing on me and not in my nature. With all this pressure, the idea of a gypsy lifestyle has emerged again as an escape to the real me. Each year it seems to become harder to ignore and push aside. I suppose one could say I have it in my blood.One day I will be free of the heavy anchor and able to roam the earth as a creative gypsy. I just hope I’m not too old to enjoy it when the time comes.